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Blasting professionals learn about new developments and products
Dr. Jeffery L. Kohler, associate professor of mining engineering at Penn State, chaired the 8th Pennsylvania Blasting Conference held at The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel. Dwain Harbst—University Photo/Graphics	More than 300 explosives experts and other blasting professionals from Pennsylvania and neighboring states gathered at Penn State for a forum on the latest products and equipment, new developments and regulatory issues.   The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences hosted the 8th Pennsylvania Blasting Conference in collaboration with the Mid-Atlantic and Eastern Chapters of the International Society of Explosives Engineers and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The college holds the conference every other year as a continuing education program for the blasting industry.   “In the 16 years since the first conference, there have been a lot of changes in the industry, but one thing that hasn’t changed is our dedication to putting together a practical program,” Dr. Jeffery L. Kohler, Penn State associate professor of mining engineering, said. He chaired the conference.   Michael Getto Jr., chief of the blasting section, Bureau of Mining and Reclamation, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, urged participants to “learn, share and refine what we all know and do and to leave the conference better informed about your industry.”   In his keynote address, David M. Thomas, president of the International Society of Explosives Engineers, stressed three goals for licensed blasters, suppliers and other professionals in the blasting industry: education for all members of the profession, changing the public’s perception that blasting is bad, and working with legislators and regulators to prevent unnecessary and inappropriate legislation of the industry. an outreach program of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences